Passau Longsword, 14thC

Longsword, 14th century inspired by original swords from European museums.

Dating and characteristics
This sword design is largely inspired by original longsword from National Museum in Szczecin, Poland. It was marked with Passau wolf, as many others similar from this large group of heavy longswords. For the most of them dating is between approx. 1330 and 1380.
More examples we can find in many European museums.
As a representative example of specific group of 14th century longswords this sword has all the essential features. First is length between mostly between 113 and 126cm (sometimes over 130cm). Second is weight mostly over 1500g and sometimes over 2000g (the heaviest ones have a weight of almost 2300g, without grip). Other typical features are octagonal cross-section of the blade and simple straight crossguard. Pommels are always huge, thick and heavy, many examples has simple cross carved on both sidesand peen block on the top. Another important and common feature is Passau wolf markings on fullers (both sides) with heads directed towards the tip.
These markings are associated with a specific geographical area of Passau.

Handling and purpose
This cross-like construction of large longswords is very simple and effective at the same time. Swords like this are heavy but always well balanced thanks to blade geometry, proper mass distribution and large pommels and easy to fight with both hands. Blades are strong and rather thick. It seems that these swords were intended to fight against partly or completely armoured men. Force of the impact itself may determine the elimination of the opponent from the battlefield. At the same time, the proportions of the sword enable the execution of complex fencing techniques.